Marvelously magnetic in a midi

Rather than colours or fabrics, this season many fashion trends have been about tailoring: tops that are short, skirts that flare, fabric that is pleated, and now – dresses that fall just below the knee. This trend, traditionally matronly, has taken on a whole new persona. Midi length is no longer seen as something for the more mature generation, but a length for the young, fresh generation. Midi length ranges from just below the knee to mid-calf. Both well established fashion houses and newcomer brands are bringing midi dresses into their collections. Italian staple Dolce & Gabanna took a sharp turn away from their quintessential dramatic style and designed a soft piece: the light blue brocade midi dress features slight puffed sleeves with jewel detail. The same jewel detail encrusts the elegant buttons down the entire front of the dress. The high crew neck-line gives the piece a conservative feel, while the tapering around the waist and knees highlights a woman’s curves. New York City based fashion designer Michael Kors created an edgy colour-block midi dress. The piece features a bright pink single panel down the front of the dress. The wool black sides wrap around the hips. The neckline is a strict square, with black sleeves. French designer Herve Leger, deservedly famous for his stunning body con dresses, created a midi dress in his style. The figure hugging bright coral piece features a deep v front and off the shoulder sleeves. The empire waistline elongates the torso and legs, creating a stunning effect. American fashion designer Nicole Miller created a bright blue long sleeved midi dress. The scoop neck knit piece looks conservative at first glance, but there are illusion inset stripes across the waist, sleeves and upper bodice that show skin underneath -- a great display of contemporary conservatism. And Diane von Furstenberg, with her iconic wrap dresses still very hot in style, created a sleek black midi length collared wrap dress. The long sleeves are offset by a deep v plunge neckline. The celebrity scene is wearing this trend on big nights out. American actress and singer Nicole Scherzinger wore a high neck long sleeved pattered midi dress. She paired the black and white dress with hoop earrings and high nudge platform pumps. Model and fashion starlet Diane Kruger wore a tartan strapless midi dress. She paired with ankle strap high heel sandals and a casual side ponytail. The ever-stylish, fit and phenomenal mom Gwentyh Paltrow (not to mention an Oscar winning actress) wore a midi length dark green belted dress. She paired with a vintage style purse and black pointed toe shoes. The most important thing to remember about the midi dress is the combination of being conservative with modern touches. The best midi dresses are form fitting, but also have sleeves. To counter the amount of skin covered, have a low neckline, or illusion insets, or a high slit. This gives a seductive feel while still being covered up. That’s the fashion scoop for this week. Got a thought? Trend? Style you hate? Send it my way. Rachel Breaux is an American living in Rwanda.